Sydney
Coach – Dean Cox
2025 –
Points For – 11th
Points Against – 11th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Isaac Heeney
- Brodie Grundy
- James Jordan
- Chad Warner
- Tom McCartin
2025 Rising Star Noms
Nil
Ins – Charlie Curnow, Malcolm Rosas, Jai Serong, Noah Chamberlain, Billy Cootee, Leam Hetherton, Max King, Harry Kyle, Jevan Phillipou
Outs – Ollie Florent, Will Hayward, Aaron Francis, Robbie Fox, Jack Buller, Indhi Kirk, Blake Leidler, Caleb Mitchell, Ben Paton
My Prediction
Any doubts over Longmire’s ability to coach was cast aside last year as Cox took a premiership fancy and turned them into midtable slop. They looked so much less organised and whilst you could make a strong argument that injuries had a big impact, they just didn’t look as solid as they have in previous seasons. It may seem dramatic but I think the pressure on Cox this year is real, another finish out of the finals and he could be on his way.
The backline on paper still looks solid and playing half their games at the SCG has pretty good benefits. McCartin is back where he belongs and hard to believe but Rampe will go around again. Melican rounds out the traditional talls but they also have Blakey who gives them run and attack of the half back line. They would love to keep Callum Mills on the field this year.
The midfield is where things went wrong last year. Gulden never getting his body quite right made a massive difference. They will be wanting a full season from him which then allows Warner more space to play his natural attacking game. Heeney and Rowbottom through the middle and enough depth by the way of McInerny, the other Campbell and Sheldrick. It is a very good midfield including Grundy who the new rules may really suit.
The forward line should be much better for the inclusion of Curnow who is going to benefit massively from having quality delivery out of the middle. He could kick 80 this year if he stays fit (I have seen the close ups of his knees and they look like custard). Heeney rotating through the middle and up forward is still one of the most dangerous players in the game. It will be interesting to see if McDonald improves or even Amartey who looks every bit a VFL player. I think Papley will benefit from Curnow as well as a second quality small forward in Rosas.
The ruck situation is pretty much Grundy or bust. Grundy has been very good in Sydney and I think the new ruck rules will favour the mobile rucks once the ball hits the ground, he is due a big year. Dean Cox so far has continued the tradition of rucks being bog average AFL coaches. He has the list to turn things around and would want a quick start or things could get ugly quickly.
The Swans have a complete list. There is no obvious weaknesses. I think they can probably pretend that last year didn’t happen and they should be deep in contention this season. I think they look like a possible top four team. I have them finished 4-6.